Murbles Inventor Eyes Campground Market

Game inventor Murray Kramer is taking his Murbles to the nation’s RV parks and campgrounds. Resembling bocci, Murbles is now available in some Kampgrounds of America (KOA) camp stores, as well as online and from wholesale camping and sporting goods catalog companies. About 2,000 sets have been sold nationwide.

Kramer, who lived in Wisconsin and later Michigan, came up with the concept 32 years ago after tiring of losing at horseshoes to his neighbor. He wanted to design a game that anyone could play and win. His game utilizes big half-pound marbles made from 3-inch diameter solid plastic balls.

His idea sat on the shelf for decades until April 2009, after he retired and he began producing the game commercially. Soon after the first balls were manufactured, he made his first online sale and began attending vendor sales events.

The outdoor game of Murbles is an ideal game for players from 8 to 80 years old, says Kramer, because it’s easy to learn, can be played most anywhere – especially tailgating — and doesn’t require special skills. “Murbles can be played almost anywhere, including in parks, campgrounds and at the beach (Murbles are buoyant),” says Murray. “Just dump them out of the bag and you’re in the game.”

Murbles, which are available in 20 popular colors and come in durable canvas bags, may soon be played on the south lawn of the White House, as a set has been delivered to the president’s home. For more information, visit www.murblegame.com or contact Kramer at (850) 458-5858. The price for Murbles is $29.95 plus shipping and handling.